The grand celebration of Mahashivratri commenced at Kashi Vishswanath Temple with 'Mangala Aarti.' As per the temple's schedule, the 'arti' was offered between 0215 hrs and 0315 hrs. The temple was opened to devotees from 0330 hrs, and would close at 1200 hrs for 'Bhog Aarti.' To meet the rush, the devouts are being taken to 'garbh grah' (sanctum sanctorum) via Tarkeshwar Mahadeo temple.

The temple will host night-long 'arti' today. As per its tradition, the 'shayan arti' would not take place and the temple would remain open throughout night.

For the first time ever, the temple issued 1,000 passes in special category against Rs 501 on the first-come-first-serve basis.

These devotees are being allowed to enter through 'Neelkanth Dwar' along with the VVIPs.

A sea of pilgrims was also witnessed at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) situated Vishwanath, Mahamrityunjay and Tilbhandeshwar Temples.